The Biology graduate program offers a close-knit academic environment that leads to an M.S. in Biology. Our graduates have specialized training in their chosen sub-disciplines and the communication and teaching skills needed to function effectively within a broad-based scientific community.
Our graduate students conduct research with faculty ranging in topics from molecular genetics, to biomath, and ecology. For more information about faculty research interests, see our faculty directory. Most graduate students will publish their thesis research in highly respected journals.
Full-time students are supported by teaching assistantships and full tuition waivers. Most students complete their master's degree in two years and go on to pursue either a Ph.D. or M.D. degree. Our program also provides the training required to enter technical positions in industry and government. Recent grads are pursuing Ph.D.s at Duke, UC Davis, Johns Hopkins, and University of Toronto; others are following career paths in biotech, pharmaceuticals, resource management, and environmental consulting.
GRE: The results of all three portions of the GRE General Test must be received directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). You must use the William & Mary institution code 5115 to ensure that your scores are sent to William & Mary. Only scores sent directly to William & Mary by ETS will be accepted. The Biology subject GRE is not required, but is strongly recommended for students without a traditional Biology background. Applicants may choose to take the GRE in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology as an alternative to the Biology subject GRE.
Official TOEFL or IELTS scores:
If English is not your first language, your TOEFL or IELTS scores are required and must be sent directly to William & Mary by the Educational Testing Service or the International English Language Testing System.